Rising household water damage claims have cost California insurers billions of dollars and are helping to constrict in homeowners insurance availability in the state. The losses have increased dramatically in each of the past five years, climbing by an average of $56 million annually, a new study of property/casualty industry has found.
Much of this damage could be prevented with household maintenance.
IINC has joined with Lowe's Home Improvement Centers and the Institute for Business and Home Safety to encourage homeowners to "Take 10 Minutes for Water," teaching homeowners how a simple annual inspection can prevent thousands of dollars in water loss and encourage water conservation.
"Californians meticulously maintain their cars, yet we often treat our homes as if they're maintenance-free," said IINC Executive Director Candysse Miller. "If we took a few minutes each year to inspect our household water fittings and water pressure, we could save millions of dollars in water damage statewide every year.
"It's simple and inexpensive to inspect and maintain water fittings in and around our homes. A small investment in household maintenance today could prevent serious damage to walls, carpet and furnishings in the future," Miller said.
Preventing household water damage depends on two critical components: Knowing how and where to shut off water supplies and checking household water pressure.
Household water pressure should be set no higher than 80 psi, though several homes with water leaks and pipe bursts have been found to have the water pressure set at levels up to 120 psi. A water pressure meter -- at a cost of about $6 -- will quickly tell a homeowner if their water pressure is set at a safe level. To use a pressure meter, hook it up to an outdoor faucet, and turn the water on high. The gauge will quickly read the home's water pressure.
Homeowners should also inspect and replace other inexpensive water fittings on a regular basis to prevent water loss including
-- Inspect hoses at indoor faucets, water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerator icemakers every year, and replace them every five-to-seven years.
-- Check the seal and caulking around the showers and tubs to make sure they have a watertight seal.
-- Caulk and seal windows periodically to prevent water seepage.
-- Inspect your roof annually and remove debris that may have accumulated in downspouts and rain gutters.
-- Shut off the water supply to the washing machine while you are away on vacation, and never leave the house while the washer is operating.
How can you detect if you already have a water leak? In addition to visual inspections of your household water pipes, hoses and fittings, look at your water bill. A sudden, unexplained increase in your monthly water bill is a sign of a likely water leak.
Preventing water leaks can also contribute to California's critical efforts to conserve water. Single-family homes account for 55 percent of California's water use -- 6 percent of that being used up by water leaks. A household water leak of only 10 drips per minute can result in a water loss of 525 gallons per year.
Homeowners can download a copy of the IBHS brochure, "Protect Your Home From Water Damage," at www.ibhs.org. For additional water damage prevention suggestions, visit the IINC website at www.iinc.org.
Source: Businesswire
